The son of Lee Cheol-gyu, a member of the ruling People Power Party, has been implicated in a marijuana-related incident, raising eyebrows and questions about accountability within political families. On April 7, 2025, the Seoul Seocho Police Station confirmed that a hair sample from Lee's son tested positive for marijuana, following an investigation that began last year.
According to police reports, the incident dates back to October 2024 when Lee's son, known as Lee, was caught trying to recover liquid marijuana using a method known as "throwing." This method involves the seller hiding drugs in a specific location for the buyer to find, a common practice in domestic drug transactions.
At the time of the incident, Lee was accompanied by two others, including his wife. They were using a rental car to locate the hidden marijuana in a flower bed in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Although they were arrested, the marijuana was not actually secured, and Lee tested negative in a preliminary urine test immediately following his arrest. However, this result was overturned when detailed examinations of his hair and urine were conducted by the National Forensic Service (NFS).
Police revealed that they received confirmation from the NFS on April 7 that Lee's hair had indeed tested positive for marijuana. This has prompted further investigations into the incident, including the involvement of Lee's accomplices, who are now facing charges under the Narcotics Control Act.
In a recent interview, Lee Cheol-gyu expressed frustration over how the situation has been handled. He claimed that the police had been holding onto the details of the case for five months before bringing his son in for questioning on February 25, without any prior notice. He stated, "It was an incident in October (the police were holding it for 5 months)." He further added, "(The son) had forgotten about it himself, but the police took him away again without even checking the detailed situation and made a fuss."
Lee Cheol-gyu also suggested that the police had been conducting surveillance on his son for months, attempting to link him to the crime. He stated, "The police have been investigating the son for 4 to 5 months and tried to frame him no matter what, but it didn't work, so they caught him with petty tricks." This statement highlights the tension between the lawmaker and the police, suggesting a belief that his son has been unfairly targeted.
Moreover, Lee Cheol-gyu pointed out that his son is facing excessive criticism due to his father's political status, implying that there is a larger scheme at play. He remarked, "The son is receiving even more excessive criticism because of his father, and there is a background to it all," adding that those who are speaking out against his son are supporters of former presidential candidate Han Dong-hoon.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Lee Cheol-gyu made it clear that he does not intend to shield his son from the consequences of his actions. He stated, "I have no intention of protecting my son, and he must bear the legal responsibility for his wrongdoing a hundred or a thousand times over," while also acknowledging his own political responsibility in the matter.
This incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and their families, particularly in the context of drug-related offenses. As the investigation continues, the implications for Lee Cheol-gyu's political career and the public perception of his family remain to be seen.
As the police move forward with their investigation, they are also looking into the involvement of the accomplices who were with Lee during the incident. The police have indicated plans to arrest these individuals on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, which could further complicate the situation for the lawmaker and his family.
As of now, the case remains under scrutiny, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds and what impact it will have on the political landscape in South Korea. The balance between personal accountability and public perception is a delicate one, especially for those in positions of power.
In a society where drug-related offenses often carry significant stigma, the repercussions for Lee and his family could be severe. The public's reaction to the situation will likely play a crucial role in shaping the narrative moving forward.
In summary, the incident involving Lee Cheol-gyu's son serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by political families, particularly when personal issues intersect with public life. The ongoing investigation will determine the next steps for all involved, as they navigate the legal and social consequences of this high-profile case.
